Old Testament

Jeremiah 44:17

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, the people of Judah express their determination to continue worshiping the queen of heaven, a goddess they believe brought them prosperity in the past.

Author
Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
Written
Around 600 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
CBTClear Bible Translation

We are going to do everything we said we would. We will burn incense to the queen of heaven and pour out drink offerings to her, just as we and our ancestors, our kings and our officials did in the cities of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem. Back then we had plenty of food, we were doing well, and nothing bad happened to us.

KJVKing James Version

But we will certainly do whatsoever thing goeth forth out of our own mouth, to burn incense unto the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, as we have done, we, and our fathers, our kings, and our princes, in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem: for then had we plenty of victuals, and were well, and saw no evil.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the people of Judah express their determination to continue worshiping the queen of heaven, a goddess they believe brought them prosperity in the past. They recall a time when they had plenty of food and felt secure, attributing their well-being to their rituals. This reflects their rejection of God's commands and their commitment to their own traditions, despite the warnings from the prophet Jeremiah. Their insistence on following their own desires highlights a common human tendency to cling to familiar practices, even when they conflict with divine guidance. This verse illustrates the struggle between faithfulness to God and the allure of cultural practices that seem beneficial. The people are choosing to prioritize their past experiences over the truth of God's word, demonstrating a lack of trust in His plans for them. Explore related idolatry.

How to apply Jeremiah 44:17 to your life

This verse challenges us to examine our own commitments and the influences we allow in our lives. Are we holding onto practices or beliefs that conflict with our faith? It's important to prioritize God's guidance over cultural or personal preferences, trusting that His ways lead to true fulfillment.

Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Jeremiah 44:17 mean?

Jeremiah 44:17 shows the people of Judah declaring their commitment to worship the queen of heaven, believing that their past prosperity was due to these practices. This reflects their rejection of God's commands and highlights the tension between cultural traditions and divine guidance.

What is the significance of the queen of heaven in Jeremiah 44:17?

The queen of heaven in Jeremiah 44:17 represents a goddess worshiped by the people of Judah, symbolizing their reliance on idolatry for prosperity. This verse illustrates their choice to prioritize these rituals over obedience to God.

What does the phrase 'plenty of food' mean in Jeremiah 44:17?

The phrase 'plenty of food' in Jeremiah 44:17 indicates a time of abundance and security that the people associate with their worship practices. They believe that their rituals to the queen of heaven contributed to their well-being.

How does Jeremiah 44:17 relate to idolatry?

Jeremiah 44:17 highlights idolatry by showing the people’s determination to continue worshiping the queen of heaven despite God's warnings. Their actions reflect a common human tendency to cling to familiar practices that conflict with divine instruction.

The Book of Jeremiah
Book Summary

The Book of Jeremiah

Jeremiah 1: The Call of Jeremiah

The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, a priest from Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, are recorded. The word of the LORD comes to him in the thirteenth year of King Josiah's reign over Judah. It continues to come to him through the reign of King Jehoiakim and until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah, when Jerusalem is carried into captivity. The LORD states that before He formed Jeremiah in the womb, He knew him and ordained him as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah responds that he cannot speak because he is a child. The LORD commands him not to say he is a child, for he will go where the LORD sends him and speak what the LORD commands.

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